Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.)
- Atc Codes:N05CM09
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Drug Combinations
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Toxicological Effects
- Genes that may be involved
- Inhibits
- Induces
- Drug Interactions
- Nutrition/Nutraceutical Interactions
- Special Considerations
Brand Names
Austria: Baldrian, Sedalozia, Valmane; Belgium: Dormiplant, Relaxine, Valerial; Bulgaria: Tinctura Valerianae, Valeriana; Finland: Dormiplant, Sedonium; France: Arkogelules Valeriane, Elusanes, Valeriane; Germany: Additiva Pronervon, Baldorm, Baldriac, Baldrian, Brobalil, Cefan, Dolestan, Doppelherz, Florabio, Innovadorm, Ivel, Kneipp, Luvased, Morosed, Nachtruhe, Natu, Nervenruh, Pascosedon, Regivital, Relaxine, Rubiedorm, Schoenenberger, Scopulus, Sedonium, Sporal mono, Valdispert, Valdrin, Valeriana, Valian, Valised, Vita Baldriandragee, Zirkulin; Greece: Relaxine, Sedalozia, Valmane; Hungary: Sedalozia, Valeriana; Ireland: Luvased, Sedalozia; Italy: Sedalozia, Ticalma, Valeriana, Valerocalma, Valplus, Valuno; Luxembourg: Baldriparan, Noctaval, Relaxine, Sedalozia, Songha, Valerial, Valeriane; Netherlands: Sedalozia, Valdispert, Valeriaan; Poland: Sedalozia, Valdispert, Valerin Forte; Portugal: Livetan, Valdispert; Romania: Persen; Slovakia: Euvekan, Persen, ReDormin; Spain: Ansiokey, Coenrelax, Naselcen, Ratiomir, Swanter, Tauval, Valeriana, Valsedan, Verdeval; Sweden: Baldrian, Dormiplant, Sedalozia, Valerecen, Valeriana.
North America
Canada: Cirkulin, Flora Herbtea, Valeriana.
Latin America
Argentina: Valeriana; Mexico: Neolaikan.
Asia
Japan: Sedalozia.
Drug combinations
Valeriana officinalis: Aconitum napellus; Acorus calamus; Actaea spicata; Adonis vernalis; Aletris farinose; Amanita muscaria; Ambra grisea; Anamirta cocculus; Angelica root; Apocynum cannabinum; Arsenic Acid; Arnica montana; Artemisia absinthium; Asa foetida; Avena sativa; Belladonna; Berberis vulgaris; Bryonia; Camphor; Caraway; Caulophyllum thalictroides; Chamomile; Chelidonium majus; Cimicifuga racemosa; Cinchona pubescens; Cinnamomum verum; Clematis recta; Coffea arabica; Cones; Convallaria majalis; Crataegus; Cyclamen purpurascens; Cytisus scoparius; Datura stramonium; Delphinium staphisagria; Digitalis purpurea; Eschscholzia californica; Ether; Ferula moschata; Filipendula ulmaria; Fraxinus americana; Gelsemium sempervirens; Gentian root; Guaifenesin; Harpagophytum procumbens; Hawthorn leaves; Hops; Humulus lupulus; Hydrargyrum bichloratum; Hyoscyamus niger; Hypericum perforatum; Kalmia latifolia; Lavender; Lemon balm leaves; Leonurus cardiaca; Lycosa; Matricaria recutita; Mint leaves; Mistletoe Herb; Myristica fragrans; Nerium oleander; Lilium lancifolium; Lobelia inflate; Lycopodium clavatum; Lycopus europaeus; Melissa officinalis; Motherwort Herb; Panax ginseng; Passion Flower Herb; Passiflora incarnata; Phosphorus; Potassium; Pulsatilla pratensis; Primula veris; Pyridoxine (Vitamin B~6~); Rauwolfia serpentine; Riboflavin (Vitamin B~2~); Rosa canina; Rosemary leaves; Rosmarinus officinalis; Rutosidum; Salicylic Acid; Salvia officinalis; Sambucus nigra; Sanguinaria canadensis; Secale cornutum; Selenicereus grandiflorus; Selenium; Semecarpus anacardium; Sepia officinalis; Silybum marianum; Smilax; Sodium; Solidago canadensis; Spigelia anthelmia; Strontium; Strophanthus gratus; Strychninum nitricum; Strychnos ignatii; Sulfuric Acid; Symphytum officinale; Tartarus depuratus; Turnera diffusa; Tussilago farfara; Wormwood; Veratrum album; Veratrum viride; Veronica beccabunga; Viscum album; Yucca filamentosa; Zinc
Chemistry
Valerian: Consists of the subterranean parts of Valeriana officinalis Linné (Fam. Valerianaceae) including the rhizome, roots, and stolons.
Pharmacologic Category
Natural Products; Herbs. Homeopathic Products. (ATC-Code: N05CM09).
Mechanism of action
The root of the herb is believed to contain its active constituents. Active ingredients in valerian not known, but preparations often standardized to content of valerenic acid. The chief constituent is a yellowish-green to brownish-yellow oil, present in the dried root to the extent of 0.5 to 2%. Still unclear which constituents of valerian are responsible for its sedative properties. Has been compared with certain benzodiazepines; data available appear to suggest that valerian may have a more favorable tolerability profile, particularly in view of its apparent lack of ‘hangover’ effects. One mechanism of action is likely to involve increased concentrations of inhibitory transmitter GABA in brain (increased concentrations of GABA associated with decrease in CNS activity and this action may be involved in sedative activity). Another valepotriate fraction, Vpt~2~, documented to exhibit tranquillizing, central myorelaxant, anticonvulsant, coronaro-dilating and anti-arrhythmic actions in mice, rabbits, and cats. This fraction reported to exhibit moderate positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effects. Antispasmodic activity on intact and isolated guinea-pig ileum documented for isovaltrate, valtrate and valeranone (attributed to direct action on smooth muscle receptors rather than ganglion receptors). In vitro inactivation of complement activation reported for valepotriates. In vitro cytotoxicity (inhibition of DNA and protein synthesis, and potent alkylating activity) shown for valepotriates. Baldrinal and homobaldrinal, decomposition products of valtrate and isovaltrate respectively, exhibited direct mutagenic activity against various Salmonella strains in vitro. Overall, several studies documented a hypnotic effect for valerian preparations with regard to subjective measures of sleep quality, and some have documented effects on objective measures of sleep structure. Effects of valerian extracts on sleep parameters have been compared with those of the benzodiazepine oxazepam.
Therapeutic use
Valerian is stated to possess sedative, mild anodyne, hypnotic, antispasmodic, carminative and hypotensive properties. Traditionally used for hysterical states, excitability, insomnia, hypochondriasis, migraine, cramp, intestinal colic, rheumatic pains, dysmenorrhea, and specifically for conditions presenting nervous excitability, homeopathy.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Safety of valerian during pregnancy and lactation not established. Not recommended.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Allergy to any ingredient in valerian. History of liver problems.
Warnings and precautions
CNS-depressant activity of valerian may potentiate existing sedative therapy. Effect of valerian preparations may be enhanced by consumption of alcohol. Valerian is generally well tolerated for up to 4 to 6 weeks in recommended doses. Valerian occasionally reported to cause headache, excitability, stomach upset, uneasiness, dizziness, unsteadiness (ataxia), and low body temperature (hypothermia). Chronic use (longer than two to four months) may result in insomnia. Slight reductions in concentration or complicated thinking may occur for a few hours after taking valerian. A drug «hangover» effect reported in people taking high doses of valerian extracts. «Valerian withdrawal» may occur when interrupted suddenly after chronic high-dose use, including confusion (delirium) and rapid heartbeat. These symptoms may improve with use of benzodiazepines such as lorazepam. Although unknown, valerian may have similar brain activity as benzodiazepines (commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia), through effects on brain chemical GABA. Liver toxicity associated with some multi-herb preparations that include valerian (contribution of valerian itself unclear due to potential liver toxicity of other included ingredients).